Where immunizations are provided
There are 12 Indian Health Services located around the country. Immunizations
are provided for Native people free of charge at these agencies. However,
vaccines can be administered by most health care providers at low or no
cost.
Where can I get my child vaccinated?
Indian Health Service facilities
Local health departments
Community, urban or rural health center clinics
Vaccines for Children participating provider*
*American Indian and Alaska Native children, through 18 years of age, can
get vaccines through the Vaccines for Children Program (VFC) at no charge.
Ask if your doctor is a "VFC" participating provider. If your
doctor is, you can get your child's shots in the doctor's office.
Vaccination coverage levels
Good news! For the first time, the National Immunization Survey (NIS) has
reported coverage levels for the Alaska Native population as a distinct
population group. Survey results show the success of combined vaccination
strategies: vaccination coverage among Alaska Native populations has already
exceeded initial goals. To learn more, read the following articles.
Vaccination Coverage of American Indian/Alaska Native Children Aged 19
to 35 Months: Findings From the National Immunization Survey, 1998–2000
Source: American Journal of Public Health, December 2003
http://www.ajph.org/cgi/content/full/93/12/2046
Vaccination Coverage Levels Among Alaska Native Children Aged 19-35 Months
-- National Immunization Survey, United States, 2000-2001
Source: MMWR* August 1, 2003 / 52(30);710-713
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5230a6.htm
*Note: The Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) Series is prepared
by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The data in the
weekly MMWR are provisional, based on weekly reports to CDC by state health
departments.
Remember to get your flu vaccination every year!